Gymnast Keira Gontkosky signed her national letter of intent to compete for San Jose State during a college signing ceremony, The Morning Call reported.
The Parkland High School senior has spent her entire gymnastics career with the Parkettes, joining the program when she was five years old. Over the years, she has faced physical challenges, including a foot fracture that sidelined her for the past season.
“I fractured my foot and it was a long process to get back,” Gontkosky told The Morning Call.
“I just had to stay with it and slowly get back to everything. I learned a lot from my sister. I always looked up to her growing up and after seeing her get injured and how she handled it, that was inspiring to me.”
Her sister, Kate, played softball for Parkland High School and suffered a severe knee injury during the first game of her senior season, as reported by The Morning Call. Despite never playing again, Kate remained a team asset and earned The Morning Call’s Softball Ambassador of the Year award.
Everyone is so supportive. It’s great there.”
Parkettes girls team program director Tricia Scott praised Gontkosky’s resilience and dedication through years of injuries. Scott said that Gontkosky maintains a strong mindset and consistently supports her teammates.
“Two words to describe here are resiliency and loyalty,” Scott told The Morning Call. “Unfortunately, Keira has had many injuries over the years, but she picks herself up and comes back stronger and more determined every time.”
Before heading to California for her collegiate career, Gontkosky will compete in one final gymnastics season with the Parkettes. She is also preparing for the USA men’s and women’s development program national championships in Salt Lake City.
Gontkosky will travel to Utah alongside several level 10 and level 9 Parkettes teammates, including Tali Flanigan, Alondra Vasquez, Fayelee DeHart, and Allanah Portalatin.
“I can’t wait,” Gontkosky told The Morning Call regarding her final season. “I have been here since I was little and I can’t thank my family enough for taking me to the practices, the meets, everywhere.”
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